Radiesse
Published by Andrea Stearns
Last Updated On: April 10, 2024

Surprising Uses for Radiesse in Aesthetic Medicine

Published on: Mar 25, 2024

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According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures surged in 2022. Healthcare professionals in the United States performed nearly 24 million of these procedures that year, with over 25% involving soft tissue fillers. These numbers reflect a growing trend towards non-surgical methods for aesthetic enhancements.

Radiesse stands out among other fillers for its unique properties and diverse applications in aesthetic medicine. Unlike traditional fillers, Radiesse can also sculpt specific areas like the hands, chin, and nose to offer immediate volume and skin rejuvenation.

In this article, we will explore Radiesse’s surprising versatility, delving into its uses for facial sculpting, volumization, and even stimulating collagen production for long-lasting results.

Key Takeaways

• Radiesse is a filler that helps smooth wrinkles and encourages the body to make more collagen. With just one treatment, it can last over a year.
• Doctors use Radiesse for more than just fixing wrinkles. They also use it to make hands look younger, reshape noses, and contour jawlines without surgery.
• Patients like using Radiesse because it gives quick results with little downtime. Most people are delighted with how they look after.
• This filler is safe for many people since it uses materials similar to the ones found in our bones. It works well in different parts of the face and hands.
• Finding new ways to use Radiesse excites doctors about offering better beauty treatments. Some innovative ways professionals have used Radiesse include shaping facial features creatively without surgery.

Overview of Radiesse and Its Primary Indications

Radiesse is an FDA-approved dermal filler for correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. It’s an injectable implant that adds volume and definition to areas of the face that have lost fullness or developed wrinkles due to aging. 

Healthcare professionals also use Radiesse cosmetic fillers to restore and correct the signs of facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in HIV patients. Made by Merz Aesthetics, Radiesse is a volumizing filler and a biostimulatory product. It provides immediate contouring and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.

Properties and Composition of Radiesse

• Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA): This is a biocompatible material similar to the mineral found in bones and teeth. CaHA particles provide immediate volume and structure.
• Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC): This gel-like substance helps to suspend the CaHA particles and provides a smooth consistency for injection. Additionally, CMC facilitates collagen production over time, which can add further fullness and improve skin quality.

Unexpected and Innovative Applications of Radiesse

While Radiesse is primarily known for its wrinkle-filling and volume-restoring properties in facial rejuvenation, recent advancements and growing experience with the filler have unveiled its potential for unexpected and innovative applications beyond traditional areas. This section explores the other places where Radiesse can be injected, showcasing its innovation and versatility.

Hand Rejuvenation

Aging hands can make us look older than we are, revealing wrinkles and leading to a more veiny and skeletal appearance. Radiesse offers a non-surgical solution for hand rejuvenation. The filler can be strategically injected into the backs of the hands to achieve the following:

• Restore Lost Volume: Radiesse adds fullness to address the sunken appearance that often occurs on the tops of hands due to collagen loss.
• Smooth Wrinkles and Creases: Injections can target wrinkles and creases on the hands, creating a softer, more youthful look.
• Improve Skin Quality: Radiesse may push the fibroblast cells to produce more collagen in the body, improving skin texture and elasticity in the target areas.

It’s important to note that hand rejuvenation with Radiesse is a relatively new application, and long-term studies are still ongoing. However, early results are promising, offering a minimally invasive way to achieve younger-looking hands.

Nose Reshaping (Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty)

Traditionally, altering the shape of the nose has been associated with surgical rhinoplasty. However, Radiesse has become a game-changer for patients wanting quick improvements without the risks and recovery time associated with traditional procedures. Here’s how aesthetic specialists can use Radiese fillers to reshape the nose:

• Camouflage Bumps: Experts can inject Radiesse to add subtle volume and definition to the bridge of the nose, effectively camouflaging minor bumps or humps.
• Refine the Tip: Strategic injections can slightly elevate or reshape the tip of the nose for a more refined appearance.
• Improve Symmetry: Asymmetry is a common nasal concern. Radiesse can be used to add volume to one side of the nose to achieve a more balanced look.

Jawline Contouring

A well-defined jawline is a hallmark of a youthful and balanced face. Radiesse can be used for jawline contouring, helping to make the lower face look more defined. Here’s a closer look at how experts can use Radiesse for the jaw:

• Sharpen the Jawline: Injections along the jawline can create a sharper, more defined jawline angle, enhancing facial contours.
• Balance Asymmetry: Similar to the nose, Radiesse can subtly address jawline asymmetry by adding volume to the deficient side.
• Create a More Chiseled Look: A skilled injector strategically administers Radiesse to enhance definition for those seeking a more chiseled jawline appearance.

This application of Radiesse is prevalent among those looking to achieve a more sculpted facial profile without undergoing invasive procedures. However, using Radiesse for jawline contouring requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy and expertise in injection techniques. A consultation with a qualified cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon is essential to determine if this approach is suitable and to achieve the desired outcome.

Nonsurgical Chin Augmentation

A weak or recessed chin can detract from facial harmony. Chin augmentation is another area where Radiesse has proven to be an innovative solution. 

• Enhance Projection: Strategic injections along the chin bone can project the chin forward, creating a more balanced and defined profile.
• Improve Chin Shape: Radiesse can subtly reshape the chin for a more pointed or rounded appearance, depending on the desired aesthetic.

Unique Properties of Radiesse for Diverse Applications

One of Radiesse’s most significant advantages is its longevity. Compared to other hyaluronic acid-based fillers, Radiesse offers extended results, typically lasting 12 to 18 months. This duration goes beyond many different fillers and is possible because of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. Radiesse also lasts because it acts as a collagen stimulator, improving the skin even after the initial filler metabolizes.

Furthermore, Radiesse’s biocompatibility is one of its most significant properties. Biocompatibility refers to a material’s ability to coexist peacefully with the body. Radiesse is formulated with biocompatible materials, making it compatible with human tissue and minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. This compatibility is crucial for a filler, ensuring the body can tolerate the product without significant complications or immune responses.

Its unique composition also offers remarkable versatility in contouring and shaping facial features. The CaHA microspheres in Radiesse provide a moldable quality, allowing precise injections to achieve the desired definition and volume. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which primarily address wrinkles and lines by adding volume, specialists can use Radiesse for more targeted sculpting.

Combining long-lasting results, biocompatibility, and versatility in shaping allows Radiesse to address a broader range of cosmetic concerns compared to some traditional fillers. It offers a minimally invasive and long-lasting solution for those seeking facial rejuvenation and sculpting beyond wrinkle reduction.

Benefits and Advantages of Using Radiesse for Non-Traditional Aesthetic Procedures

• Minimal Downtime: One significant benefit of Radiesse is the minimal downtime required after procedures. Patients can resume normal activities shortly after treatment, and most side effects, like redness or swelling, subside within a few days.
• Predictable Outcomes: Radiesse offers predictable outcomes due to its consistent formulation and the provider’s ability to precisely control the placement and volume, leading to consistent results that meet patient expectations.
• High Patient Satisfaction Rates: Radiesse is proven to have high patient satisfaction rates. In clinical studies, patients have expressed high satisfaction with the results of their Radiesse treatments, often preferring it over other fillers.

Finding the Right Candidate for Radiesse

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for Radiesse injections. A thorough consultation with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is essential to determine if Radiesse aligns with your goals and medical history. Here are some factors considered during the selection process:

• Age: Generally, Radiesse is most effective for individuals with moderate to severe signs of aging, where significant volume loss or deep wrinkles are present.
• Severity of Facial Wrinkles: Those seeking to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles or volume loss can benefit significantly from Radiess treatments.
• Overall Health: Underlying medical conditions or a history of allergies may influence Radiesse’s suitability.
• Realistic Expectations: It is essential to have realistic expectations about the results achievable with Radiess, especially for off-label uses. Subtle improvements are more likely than dramatic transformations.

Injection Techniques for Off-Label Uses

Injection techniques for Radiesse can vary depending on the treated areas and the desired outcome. For off-label uses, techniques go beyond simple wrinkle filling and require a higher degree of expertise:

• Precise Placement: For procedures like jawline contouring or non-surgical rhinoplasty, precise injection placement is critical to achieve the desired definition and avoid unnatural-looking results.
• Layered Injections: In some cases, Radiesse may be injected in layers to create a more gradual and natural-looking augmentation, particularly for areas like the hands or chin.
• Smaller Quantities: Off-label applications often use smaller quantities of Radiesse than traditional wrinkle filling to achieve subtle sculpting and avoid overcorrection.

Potential Side Effects

Common side effects of Radiesse injections include temporary redness, bruising, swelling, and discomfort at the injection site. These are usually mild; patients can manage these effects with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. More severe but rare side effects may include allergic reactions, infection, and lumps or nodules. 

To mitigate these risks, patients should follow their healthcare provider’s aftercare instructions, report any signs of infection or unusual pain immediately, and avoid blood-thinning medications before the procedure to reduce bleeding.

Case Studies and Testimonials

Specialists can use Radiesse to deliver hand rejuvenation, steering away from its use as a treatment for facial rejuvenation. The photo below shows a 42-year-old woman receiving 3 mL of Radiesse to treat her hands. Before the treatment, the backs of her hands were veiny because of the sagging skin. Two weeks later, the skin on her hands undeniably looked healthier.

When healthcare professionals use Radiesse for jawline contouring, they consistently achieve excellent results. The patient below is Jean, a 57-year-old male who wanted Radiesse to give more definition to his jawline. In the side-by-side photo below, we can see how aged and weak his jawline is.

The procedure involved using 3.5 cc of Radiesse in his lower face to contour the jawline. Then, after four weeks, Jean returned and looked more youthful. With his jawline being more defined now, Jean felt pleased as Radiesse successfully redefined the jawline he “slowly lost over time.”

Another innovative way healthcare professionals use Radiesse is through chin augmentation procedures. This young female patient felt bothered by how weak her chin looked, but she didn’t want to undergo surgical procedures like chin implants. 

Using skillful techniques to inject Radiesse in the target areas, the patient achieved facial rejuvenation in at least 15 minutes. Now, she has better chin projection and effortlessly achieved facial balance with this powerful treatment.

Conclusion

Radiesse offers many surprising and innovative applications beyond its traditional uses in facial rejuvenation. From hand rejuvenation to non-surgical nose reshaping, jawline contouring, and non-surgical chin augmentation, Radiesse demonstrates its versatility and effectiveness in addressing diverse aesthetic concerns. 

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to consider the potential of Radiesse beyond its conventional applications and embrace creative approaches to aesthetic enhancement, ultimately providing patients with innovative and personalized treatment options.

About: Trusted by over 2,000+ global clients since 2014, Maylips has become a leading supplier of cosmetic, skincare, and orthopedic products for medical and aesthetic professionals. Maylips offers a wide range of authentic brand-name products at competitive wholesale prices, sourced from around the world. Whether your practice needs dermal fillers, botulinum toxins, mesotherapy, PRP kits, or other solutions, Maylips can provide high-quality products and exceptional customer service. Maylips is more than just a supplier, it is your partner in achieving your medical and aesthetic goals.

FAQs

1. How does Radiesse work?

When injected, it acts as a collagen stimulator, helping your skin regain its bounce and smoothness. Plus, the ingredients in Radiesse blend well with your body, making everything look natural.

2. Where can specialists inject Radiesse?

Doctors can use Radiesse on your face to fill wrinkles or lift your cheeks. They can even use it on a patient’s hands to improve skin elasticity in this area.

3. After getting Radiesse injections, what should I do?

You should avoid exercise and alcohol for 6 hours, refrain from applying pressure to the treated area for the same duration, and gently wash the area with soap and water without scrubbing.

References

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. 2022. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf

Statista. Top non-invasive cosmetic procedures worldwide 2022. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/293449/leading-nonsurgical-cosmetic-procedures/

Leonardis M, Palange A. New-generation filler based on cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose: study of 350 patients with 3-year follow-up. Clinical Interventions in Aging. Published online January 1, 2015:147. doi:10.2147/cia.s74445

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